Tennessee Legislator Heads National Black Caucus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — Democratic Rep. Joe Armstrong of Knoxville has been selected to be the president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators for the next two years.

The Caucus was founded in 1977 to develop and promote educational, research and training programs that help African-American lawmakers be more effective when introducing legislation.

Armstrong says issues currently at the top of the caucus agenda include job growth and expansion of the Affordable Health Care Act.

“…particularly as it relates to the Medicaid expansion. We feel that this is very critical, that each state expand Medicaid and give people an opportunity that would not have that access to health care."

Other Tennesseans are also active in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. State Reps. Brenda Gilmore of Nashville, Johnny Shaw of Bolivar and Karen Camper of Memphis all hold leadership positions in the organization.